Island Horizons
Cruise limestone islets, kayak hidden lagoons and hike to panoramas above remote turquoise waters.
This eight-day cruise showcases the best of Raja Ampat, highlighting the regions hidden jungles, tropical vegetation and incredible underwater world. Days are spent kayaking, walking, diving and visiting villages to better understand this remote and eclectic archipelago.
With few hotels, Raja Ampat is best explored by boat. It still feels pioneering – discover small Papuan communities deeply connected to the sea, explore uninhabited islets, and walk silently in search of birds of paradise, all with expert guides on board.
Pricing is based on a voyage aboard Rascal and will vary depending on which boat suits you best.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Beneath the Surface
Snorkel or dive coral reefs alive with manta rays, pygmy seahorses, turtles and rare wobbegong sharks.
Rhythms of the Sea
Unwind with sunset cocktails, starlit dining, and peaceful swims or paddleboarding in calm, tropical waters.
Wild Encounters
Spot Wilson’s bird of paradise, trek rainforest trails, and visit island communities living closely with sea and land.
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Day 1
Sorong (on board)
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Day 2
Kri Peninsula (on board)
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Day 3
The Passage (on board)
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Day 4
Penemu Islands (on board)
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Day 5
Wayag Islands (on board)
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Day 6
Wofoh (on board)
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Day 7
Batanta (on board)
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Day 8
Return to Sorong
Day 1
Sorong (on board)
Settle in on board before lunch and moving off. Afternoon of snorkelling before drinks and dinner as the sun sets.
Day 2
Kri Peninsula (on board)
Wake up to the sound of chattering birds before a day spent in and around Mioskon Bay on the Kri Peninsula.
Day 3
The Passage (on board)
An early trek to spot the rare Red Bird of Paradise. After breakfast make sail for Kabui Bay, a narrow channel teeming with sea life.
Day 4
Penemu Islands (on board)
Lush emerald islands, surrounded by shallow bays make Penemu the ideal spot for some of the regions most celebrated snorkelling.
Day 5
Wayag Islands (on board)
Home to the most stunning scenery of Raja Ampat, these peaks formations and aqua waters teem with fish and are dotted with deserted sandy beaches. A day of exploring before a beach BBQ
Day 6
Wofoh (on board)
Two connected islands make for a stunning coral wall, home to soft and hard corals, sponges and the elusive unicorn fish. Beachcombing, paddle boarding and kayaking make for a wonderful day.
Day 7
Batanta (on board)
The Dampier Straits attract Manta, curiously swimming around the boat. Visit Arborek Village where they earn a living via sustainable fishing. A valuable insight into local island life.
Day 8
Return to Sorong
Return to Sorong for a final breakfast and onward travels.
Above and Below Water
Raja Ampat
Remote and largely untouched, Raja Ampat is home to more than 1,500 islands and the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. Its coral reefs host over 500 coral species and more than 1,000 reef fish species, making it a paradise for both divers and snorkellers. Above water, the scenery is equally striking—pristine beaches, jungle-clad islands and birdlife such as hornbills, crested cockatoos and birds of paradise add to the region’s extraordinary natural appeal.
Your Floating Base
Boat Choices
There are plenty of boats to suit both budget and size requirements, but we pride ourselves on building relationships and working with vessels that have the same ethos as us. With that in mind have noted details about a few of our favourites. The yachts mentioned are found in and around Komodo and Bali in our summer months (April – October) before moving to Raja Ampat for the winter. Those feeling intrepid can be part of one-off sailings between the two regions, really enabling a voyage of discovery. Guests can either join a fixed departure or charter a boat privately for a group of friends or family.
Why Choose Rascal
Rascal is a 30-metre hand-crafted yacht with five en suite cabins. Designed in the traditional phinisi architecture, Rascal has been fitted with all the mod cons to create an innovative and luxurious onboard experience. From the huge upper deck allowing for plenty of space to relax or watch an open-air film, the delicious menus prepared with clients every whim in mind, to the expert crew who can bring to life every detail of this diverse and fascinating region. Rascal is more akin to a luxury floating villa. Take advantage of Rascal’s Exploration Series, a relationship with Conservation International, working to protect the fragile, at risk ecosystem.
Why Choose Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu is a an incredibly comfortable and modern boat which also hides a fascinating history as the British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle. Dive facilities are excellent and additional comforts include a spa and plenty of space to relax on board. Choose from a range of set departures throughout the year.
Why Choose Tiger Blue
With the ability to take you to remote and hard to reach islands, Tiger Blue, is a meticulously appointed and beautifully crafted traditional timber phinisi – a traditional Indonesian two-masted sailing ship historically and still widely used for local transportation within the Indonesian archipelago. With eight crew including an expedition leader, dive master & chef, sailing through handpicked and often undisclosed diving locations, Tiger Blue is a relaxed and adventurous way of exploring this fascinating region.
Why Choose SeaTrek
SeaTrek operate two traditional phinisi style boats – the Ombak Putih and the Katharina, both beautifully crafted in Indonesia. At 42 metres, Ombak Putih is home to a crew of 14 and made up of 12 comfortable cabins to accommodate up to 24 guests. Katharina, with a crew of 12 and at 38 metres, is slightly smaller than her sister with only six cabins, offering a more intimate experience. Both offer communal areas, excellent equipment for a collection of well executed, innovative and informed set departures, exploring the Indonesian archipelago.
SeaTrek cruises do not offer diving, they focus on snorkelling.
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Misool - a private island hideaway
Suggested Extension
Misool is a world class private island hideaway offering exclusive adventure whilst redefining sustainable tourism. Their core belief is to protect and conserve. Misool is back to nature at its most stunning and a stay here directly supports conservation initiatives and provides sustainable employment opportunities to local people. The Misool Foundation has been set up to safeguard the most biodiverse reefs on earth thus spending time at Misool directly supports the ongoing conservation initiatives.
In addition, it is a gorgeous resort, owned and managed by people who are genuinely devoted to the preservation of this beautiful region and its people.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
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